NASA Alert: Two giant airplane-sized asteroids speeding towards Earth today; will they hit Earth?

Asteroid Near Sun (Representative Image - Canva)

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is keeping a close watch. Two giant asteroids, 2024 RY15 and 2024 RZ21, are set to fly by Earth. Although these asteroids are large, there's no immediate danger. NASA's constant vigilance ensures their safe passage while providing scientists with valuable insights.

2024 RY15: Large but No Threat Asteroid 2024 RY15 measures around 84 feet across. It's classified as potentially hazardous due to its size. However, it will pass Earth at 558,000 kilometres. This is much farther away than the Moon.

• Size: 84 feet (similar to a small airplane)
• Closest approach: 558,000 kilometres from Earth
• Date: 21 September 2024

2024 RZ21: Slightly Larger, Yet Harmless 2024 RZ21, measuring 110 feet, will pass at a distance of 2,780,000 kilometres. Despite coming closer than RY15, there is no risk.

• Size: 110 feet (comparable to a small airplane)
• Closest approach: 2,780,000 kilometres from Earth
• Date: 21 September 2024

Why NASA’s Monitoring Matters NASA’s JPL continuously tracks asteroids, ensuring no potential threats go unnoticed. This careful monitoring is crucial for both planetary safety and scientific exploration. The data helps deepen our understanding of near-Earth objects.

Both asteroids will safely bypass Earth, allowing scientists a unique opportunity. This encounter further underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance in space research.